Lloyd Hull, of Greenwich, hugs Livvy Floren, R-149th District, after nominating her for another term in office during a meeting at Greenwich Town Hall on Wednesday, May 16, 2012.

Lloyd Hull, of Greenwich, hugs Livvy Floren, R-149th District, after nominating her for another term in office during a meeting at Greenwich Town Hall on Wednesday, May 16, 2012.

Photo: Amy Mortensen

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Michael Pansini, of Stamford, congratules Livvy Floren, R-149th District, after seconding her nomination for another term in office during a meeting at Greenwich Town Hall on Wednesday, May 16, 2012.

Michael Pansini, of Stamford, congratules Livvy Floren, R-149th District, after seconding her nomination for another term in office during a meeting at Greenwich Town Hall on Wednesday, May 16, 2012.

Photo: Amy Mortensen

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Livvy Floren, R-149th District, smiles as she is nominated for another term in office during a meeting at Greenwich Town Hall on Wednesday, May 16, 2012. Janet Lockton, at right, held the office prior to Floren. less

Livvy Floren, R-149th District, smiles as she is nominated for another term in office during a meeting at Greenwich Town Hall on Wednesday, May 16, 2012. Janet Lockton, at right, held the office prior to ... more

Photo: Amy Mortensen

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Livvy Floren, R-149th District, smiles as she is nominated for another term in office during a meeting at Greenwich Town Hall on Wednesday, May 16, 2012. Janet Lockton, at right, held the seat prior to Floren.

Livvy Floren, R-149th District, smiles as she is nominated for another term in office during a meeting at Greenwich Town Hall on Wednesday, May 16, 2012. Janet Lockton, at right, held the seat prior to Floren.

Photo: Amy Mortensen

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Bella Sozzi, 5 months, sports her bejeweled Republican onesie for her grandmother, Livvy Floren, R-149th District. Floren was nomination for another term in office during a meeting at Greenwich Town Hall on Wednesday, May 16, 2012. less

Bella Sozzi, 5 months, sports her bejeweled Republican onesie for her grandmother, Livvy Floren, R-149th District. Floren was nomination for another term in office during a meeting at Greenwich Town Hall on ... more

Photo: Amy Mortensen

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GOP's Floren nominated for 7th election run

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GREENWICH -- State Rep. Livvy Floren still has the zest of a newly elected legislator, her predecessor in the 149th District said.

"She has the outlook of a freshman legislator as far as her enthusiasm, going to meetings, constituent work, all the things that you have when that fire in your belly is burning really, really bright," said Janet Lockton, who served from 1990 to 2000. "She has retained it for 12 years."

One day after an opponent, Democrat John Blankley, announced his candidacy, Floren was nominated for her seventh straight term Wednesday night by Republicans at Town Hall.

In her speech, Floren laid out a conservative agenda.

"I am a fiscal conservative who believes that you do not tax your way out of tough times," she said.

She said the state has dealt with budget deficits by increasing taxes, borrowing, drawing on the rainy day fund and relying on federal stimulus money.

Floren acknowledged there have been some cuts in spending and consolidation of some state agencies. However, the ax has to cut deeper into government spending, she said.

"Getting Connecticut back on solid financial ground is no easy task," she said. "It is going to require tough decisions, eliminating some programs and entitlements, further reducing the state employee work force and expediting the permitting process for business."

First elected in 2000, Floren has only twice faced opposition from Democrats prior to this election, as Kim Hynes tried to unseat her in 2004 and Howard Richman did so in 2010.

She is facing her third challenge this election from her neighbor, Blankley, who failed in his bid to unseat First Selectman Peter Tesei last fall.

The Democrats are scheduled to hold their nominating convention for the 149th District seat at 8 p.m. Tuesday in Town Hall. Democratic leaders have vowed to contest all three House seats in Greenwich, as well as the state's 36th Senate District.

Lloyd Hull, who nominated Floren, urged his listeners to continue to work hard and not coast to the election on the incumbent's impressive electoral track record.